Golf tee and club face groove sharpening device

ABSTRACT

A golf tee/club face groove sharpening device is provided and includes a golf tee article, wherein the golf tee article includes a tee stem having a tee stem top and a tee stem bottom. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device further includes a sharpener article connected to the tee stem proximate the tee stem bottom, wherein the sharpener article includes at least one sharpening surface and is sized and shaped to fit into a golf club face groove such that the at least one sharpening surface contacts at least one side of the club face groove.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golfing articles and more particularly to a golf tee that is utilizable as a golf club head groove sharpening device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, the grooves on the face of a golf club are typically either “V” shaped, “U” shaped or rectangular shaped and have at least two functions. The first function of the club face grooves is that as the club face strikes the golf ball, for a short period of time the golf ball ‘slides’ or move along the surface of the golf club face. During this period, the edges of the grooves interact with the surface of the golf ball to grip the ball surface and cause the ball to rotate or spin more rapidly. The ability of the golf ball to spin is important for a couple of reasons. First, the rapid spin of the golf ball helps to provide aerodynamic lift. Thus, a spinning golf ball travels higher and farther than a non-spinning golf ball. Moreover, a spinning golf ball produces a more predictable result and is less influenced by wind interference. Second, the ability to put a ‘back spin’ on the golf ball allows a golfer to better control the ball trajectory or end position. For example, a golfer may hit a ball onto the green past the hole with the intention that the back spin will cause the ball to roll backwards toward the hole. For this reason, a player may want to make sure the club face grooves on their sand wedge or pitching wedge remain clean and sharp.

The second function of the club face grooves it to clear water from the face of the club. This is because, if at the moment of impact, grass is located between the face of the club and the ball, the grass is compressed. As an average golf swing produces nearly 3 k pounds of force, any water contained in the grass is squeezed out. This is undesirable because the ball can ‘hydroplane’ along the face of the club, thereby reducing the spin on the ball. Accordingly, the club face grooves function in the same way that treads in a tire function. They minimize the water caught between the ball and the club face by providing the water with a path to escape the surface of the club face. Thus, it is not only desirable to keep the face of the golf club clean and the club face grooves clear of debris, but it is also desirable to keep the corners of the club face grooves as sharp as possible. While there are tools that allow a player to clean and sharpen the club face grooves on their clubs, these tools are relatively expensive, standalone, specialized tools and require the player to carry added equipment. This is undesirable because it not only adds to the content and the weight of the bag, but it increases the risk of losing these tools as items are being removed from the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A golf tee/club face groove sharpening device is provided and includes a golf tee article, wherein the golf tee article includes a tee stem having a tee stem top and a tee stem bottom. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device further includes a sharpener article connected to the tee stem proximate the tee stem bottom, wherein the sharpener article includes at least one sharpening surface and is sized and shaped to fit into a golf club face groove such that the at least one sharpening surface contacts at least one side of the club face groove.

A golf tee/club face groove sharpening device is provided and includes a sharpener article, wherein the sharpener article includes at least one sharpening surface and is sized and shaped to fit into a golf club face groove such that the at least one sharpening surface contacts at least one side of the club face groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention should be more fully understood from the accompanying detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the following Figures in which like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1A is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is front view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is side view of the sharpener device of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is front view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is front view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 1A inserted into the ground and being used as a golf tee to support a golf ball.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a golf club head showing the grooves on the club face.

FIG. 3B is a top down view of the golf club head of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an exploded side view of the grooves on the club face of the golf club head of FIG. 3A and the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the grooves on the club face of the golf club head of FIG. 3A and the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device having a brush ball cradle.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the combination golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device having a notched ball cradle.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the combination golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device having a notched ball cradle.

FIG. 7D is a side view of the combination golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device having a notched ball cradle.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a golf tee being associated with the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a side view of the combination golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a front view of the combination golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 100 is provided, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and includes a tee device 102 and a sharpener device 104. The tee device 102 includes a tee stem 106 having a tee stem top 108 and a tee stem bottom 110, wherein the tee stem top defines a tee cradle 111. The sharpener device 104 includes a sharpener stem 112 and a sharpener article 114. It should be appreciated that as shown, the sharpener article 114 is triangular shaped and includes a first sharpening surface 116 and a second sharpening surface 118, wherein the first sharpening surface 116 and second sharpening surface 118 may be smooth, textured or a mixture of both. For example, referring to FIG. 1C, the sharpening surfaces 116, 118 are shown as having a cross-hatched surface.

Referring to FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the tee stem 106 includes a tee stem outer surface 120, a tee stem height TSH, a tee stem top diameter TST_(D) and a tee stem bottom diameter TSB_(D). It should be appreciated that the tee stem outer surface 120 is sloped at an angle of α (relative to a vertical plane through the tee stem 106) between the tee stem top 108 and the tee stem bottom 110 such that the tee stem top diameter TST_(D) is larger than the tee stem bottom diameter TSB_(D). The sharpener device 104 includes a sharpener device height SDH, a sharpener stem diameter SSD, a sharpener stem height SSH, a sharpener article height SAH and a sharpener article width SAW. It should be appreciated that that the first sharpening surface 116 and second sharpening surface 118 are sloped at an angle of δ relative to a vertical plane running through the sharpener article 114. As shown, TSH is equal to about 2.5 inches ±15%, TSB_(D) is equal to about 0.180 inches ±15%, TST_(D) is equal to about 0.195 inches ±15%, SAW is equal to about 0.125 inches ±15%, SDH is equal to about 0.125 inches ±15%, SAH is equal to about 0.50 inches ±15%, SSH is equal to about 0.08 inches ±15%, SSD is equal to about 0.125 inches ±15%, δ is equal to about 60° ±15% and α is equal to about 0.75°±15%. It should be appreciated that the above measurements and angles are for an exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, as described and shown further herein, other embodiments may have different measurements, angles and tolerances as desired and as suitable to the desired end purpose. For example, the tee stem 106 may be substantially straight as shown in FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D below.

Referring to FIG. 2, when used as a golf tee, the device 100 is inserted in to the ground 122 until the sharpening device structure 104 and a portion of the tee structure 102 is under the surface 124 of the ground 122. A golf ball 126 may then be placed onto the device 100 to rest in the ball cradle 111. This advantageously provides support for the ball 126 during tee off. Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, when used as a groove sharpener, the sharpener device 104 is associated with the grooves 128 of a golf club face 130 such that the sharpener article 114 is located within the grooves 128 and the first sharpening surface 116 and the second sharpening surface 118 are in contact with the corners 132 of the grooves 128. The sharpener device 104 is then run along the length of the grooves 128. The frictional interaction between the first sharpening surface 116, the second sharpening surface 118 and the corners 132 of the grooves 128 cause the corners 132 of the grooves 128 to become sharpened. Additionally, because the sharpener article 114 extends down into the grooves 128, any debris contained therein is removed to allow any water buildup to flow through the grooves 128.

It should be appreciated that although the sharpener article 114 is disclosed herein as having a triangular shape design to accommodate club grooves 128 that are “V” shaped, it is contemplated that the sharpener article 114 may also have other shapes as desired. For example, it is contemplated that the sharpener article 114 have a rectangular shape (See FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) to accommodate club grooves 128 that are rectangular shaped. In this case, the first sharpening surface 116 and second sharpening surface 118 may be oriented vertically relative to the walls of the grooves 128, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, it is contemplated that the sharpener article 114 may also have an arcuate shape (See FIG. 4C) to accommodate club grooves 128 that are “U” shaped, where the first sharpening surface 116 and second sharpening surface 118 are oriented vertically relative to the walls of the grooves 128, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Moreover, a fourth embodiment is contemplated where the sharpener device includes four (4) sharpening surfaces. Referring to FIG. 5, a golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 200, in accordance with a fourth embodiment is shown and includes a tee device 202 and a sharpener device 204. The tee device 202 includes a tee stem 206 having a tee stem top 208 and a tee stem bottom 210, wherein the tee stem top 208 defines a tee cradle 211. The sharpener device 204 includes a sharpener stem 212 and a sharpener article 214, where the sharpener article 214 includes a first sharpening surface 216, a second sharpening surface 218, a third sharpening surface 220 and a fourth sharpening surface 222. It should be appreciated that the first sharpening surface 216 and second sharpening surface 218 interact with the side wall of the club grooves 128 and the third sharpening surface 220 and fourth sharpening surface 222 interact with the top surface of the club face proximate the club grooves 128. This is shown in FIG. 6.

It should be appreciated that the tee cradle 211 may be other types of cradles, such as a brush 250 (See FIG. 7A) or a notched cradle design (See FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D). Moreover, it is contemplated that the sharpener device 104, 204 may be a separate device that is configured to receive the end of and couple with a golf tee. For example, referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, another embodiment of a golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 300 is shown and may include a sharpening article 304 and a tee stem 306 which defines a stem cavity 310 and includes a tee stem opening 312 communicated with the stem cavity 310. The tee stem 306 may include resilient (or gripping) members 314 contained in the stem cavity 310 so that, once inserted, the golf tee stem 316 can be securely retained therein. When the golf tee stem 316 breaks, the remaining portion of the golf tee stem 316 can be removed and an additional golf tee stem 316 can be inserted so that the sharpener device 304 can be reused. Referring to FIG. 10, still yet another embodiment of a golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 400 is shown and may include a sharpener device 404 and a tee stem 406 which defines a stem cavity 408 having a threaded portion 410 that is configured to threadingly receive from a stem cavity opening 412 and retain a golf tee stem within the stem cavity 408. When the golf tee stem is inserted into the stem cavity 408 and rotated, the golf tee stem and the threaded portion 410 interact such that the threaded portion 410 ‘taps’ or creates threads in the golf tee stem, thus allowing the threaded portion 410 and the golf tee stem to threadingly interact. Thus, the golf tee stem is securely contained therein. As above, when the tee breaks, the remaining tee stem can be removed and an additional tee can be inserted so that the sharpener device 404 can be reused.

Referring to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, a golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 500 is provided, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention, and includes a tee device 502 and a sharpener device 504. The tee device 502 includes a tee stem 506 having a tee stem top 508 and a tee stem bottom 510, wherein the tee stem top defines a tee cradle 511. The sharpener device 504 includes a sharpener stem 512 and a sharpener article 514. It should be appreciated that as shown, the sharpener article 514 is shaped such that one side is vertical and one side is angled and includes a sharpening surface 516 which may be smooth, textured or a mixture of both.

In accordance with the present invention, one or more of the components of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 of the present invention may be manufactured using any method or technique suitable to the desired end purpose. For example, it is contemplated that the one or more of the components of the golf tee/club face groove cleaner/sharpening device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may be constructed from a plastic material, a composite material, a metallic material or a combination thereof.

It should be appreciated that while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf tee/club face groove sharpening device, comprising: a golf tee article, wherein the golf tee article includes a tee stem having a tee stem top and a tee stem bottom; and a sharpener article connected to the tee stem proximate the tee stem bottom, wherein the sharpener article includes at least one sharpening surface and is sized and shaped to fit into a golf club face groove such that the at least one sharpening surface contacts at least one side of the club face groove.
 2. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the golf tee article includes a golf ball holding device located proximate the tee stem top.
 3. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the golf tee article includes a golf ball cradle located proximate the tee stem top.
 4. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the tee stem includes a tee stem outer surface extending between the tee stem top and tee stem bottom and having a tee stem height TSH.
 5. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 4, wherein the tee stem bottom includes a tee stem bottom diameter TSB_(D) and the tee stem top includes a tee stem top diameter TST_(D) and wherein the tee stem top diameter TST_(D) is larger than the tee stem bottom diameter TSB_(D).
 6. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 4, wherein the tee stem outer surface extends between the tee stem top and tee stem bottom at an angle of about 0.75°±15% relative to an imaginary vertical plane through the height of the tee stem.
 7. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the sharpener article is at least one of triangular shaped, rectangular shaped and/or arcuate shaped.
 8. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the sharpener article includes a first sharpening surface and a second sharpening surface.
 9. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 8, wherein when the sharpening article is triangular shaped, each of the first sharpening surface and the second sharpening surface are angled at an angle of about 60°±15% relative to an imaginary vertical plane through the height of the sharpening article.
 10. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 8, further comprising a third sharpening surface and a forth sharpening surface, wherein the third sharpening surface and the forth sharpening surface are angled at an angle of 90° relative to an imaginary vertical plane through the height of the sharpening article.
 11. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the tee article and sharpening article are constructed from at least one of a plastic material, a composite material, a metallic material or a combination thereof.
 12. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the tee stem defines a stem cavity having an anchoring means for securing a golf tee stem within the stem cavity.
 13. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 12, wherein the anchoring means is at least one of, a resilient member configured to frictionally secure the golf tee stem within the stem cavity; and a threaded portion configured to threadingly secure the golf tee stem within the stem cavity.
 14. A golf tee/club face groove sharpening device, comprising: a sharpener article, wherein the sharpener article includes at least one sharpening surface and is sized and shaped to fit into a golf club face groove such that the at least one sharpening surface contacts at least one side of the club face groove.
 15. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 14, further comprising a golf tee article, wherein the golf tee article includes a tee stem having a tee stem top and a tee stem bottom and wherein the sharpener article is connected to the tee stem proximate the tee stem bottom.
 16. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 15, wherein the golf tee article includes a golf ball holding device located proximate the tee stem top, wherein the golf ball holding device is at least one of a cradle and a brush.
 17. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 15, wherein the tee stem includes a tee stem outer surface extending between the tee stem top and tee stem bottom and having a tee stem height TSH and wherein the tee stem bottom includes a tee stem bottom diameter TSB_(D), the tee stem top includes a tee stem top diameter TST_(D) and wherein the tee stem top diameter TST_(D) is larger than the tee stem bottom diameter TSB_(D).
 18. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 17, wherein the tee stem outer surface extends between the tee stem top and tee stem bottom at an angle of about 0.75°±15% relative to an imaginary vertical plane through the height of the tee stem.
 19. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 14, wherein the sharpener article is at least one of triangular shaped, rectangular shaped and/or arcuate shaped and wherein the sharpener article includes a first sharpening surface and a second sharpening surface.
 20. The golf tee/club face groove sharpening device of claim 19, wherein when the sharpener article is triangular shaped, at least one of, each of the first sharpening surface and the second sharpening surface are angled at an angle of about 60°±15% relative to an imaginary vertical plane through the height of the sharpening article; and the golf tee/club face groove sharpening device further comprises, a third sharpening surface and a forth sharpening surface, wherein the third sharpening surface and the forth sharpening surface are angled at an angle of 90° relative to an imaginary vertical plane through the height of the sharpening article. 